Feels like uterus cramping

[ladyicon]

I have had this problem for a while now.....when riding on a hot day during the first 8 miles of the ride, after a hard hill climb, I get this awful cramping in my lower tummy. It feels as though my uterus is cramping. If I do not stop it just gets worse. I don't this every time I ride, it seems just on hot days. To relieve it, I stop and do a power shot gel and drink some water, then I get on and try to ride through the pain. It usually goes away, but then I feel wiped out. Is this a hydration issue or what. I have talked to my dr. about it and she just looks at me funny. Thanks for any help. Diane

[KnottedYet]

Ummm, does it feel like passion cramps? Maybe something about the heat and bike and effort are giving you passion cramps?

The only other thing I can think of is that somehow your suspensory ligaments are getting irritated.

[Zen]

I've never heard of passion cramps but if I ever had any I sure haven't had any lately.

The uterus can have muscular contractions, I would compare it to any other muscle with an imbalance of electrolytes causing cramping/contractions.

Only on a hill climb? It may be related to the muscles you're using at that time, i.e. you position on the bike.
My vote goes to the usual suspects, hydration and electrolytes. If you can find a flavor you like try mixing a 50%solution of gatorade instead of just water for those hot days.

Your doctor looks at you funny because 1)the insurance company allots her ten minutes with you and she doesn't really have time to think it through, and
2)she's probably not a cyclist.

[RoadRaven]

I get this sometimes after hill reps, or a strenuous hilly ride (like todays race)

I put it down to muscle use... sometimes it is uncomfortable to painful to have sex for a few days after... but it goes. I think its just the muscles saying
"Hey!!! you worked us hard today!!!"

[ladyicon]

Thanks for all your input ladies. I rode some big hills today and didn't cramp, maybe because I thought I felt one coming on and did a power shot. I hope this solves it. BTW What are passion cramps???????

[RoadRaven]

yeah... what are "passion cramps"????

[Dianyla]

The uterus can have muscular contractions, I would compare it to any other muscle with an imbalance of electrolytes causing cramping/contractions.

Only on a hill climb? It may be related to the muscles you're using at that time, i.e. you position on the bike.
My vote goes to the usual suspects, hydration and electrolytes. If you can find a flavor you like try mixing a 50%solution of gatorade instead of just water for those hot days.

Seconding this theory. Electrolyte deficiencies can definitely cause or worsen uterine cramps. That's why taking calcium during your period can ease cramping.

The fact that this mainly happens to you when it's hot seems to fit this theory. If you had these cramps no matter the temperature, I would be more inclined to think it is a physical irritation problem (too much jostling, too much strain on the abdominals, etc).

[Brandi]

yea what are passion cramps? I think I know what they are. Correct me if I am wrong here. Sometimes after having sex it can feel like I am having period cramps. Is that it?

[KnottedYet]

Yup. You can also get them if you "ain't gettin' any" when you really need some.